Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)
Medium ConcernAlso known as
carboxymethylcellulosecmce466cellulose gumsodium carboxymethylcellulose
The concern
A 2015 Nature study found CMC disrupts gut microbiota, promotes low-grade intestinal inflammation, and increases obesity and metabolic syndrome risk in mice. Human data is limited but growing.
What to look for on labels
This ingredient may appear under any of the following names or codes on product labels:
- Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)
- carboxymethylcellulose
- cmc
- e466
- cellulose gum
- sodium carboxymethylcellulose
Data sourced from IARC, FDA, EFSA, WHO and EWG public data. For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical or legal advice.